Apprentice Pensions Officer

Islington Council offers a wide range of high-quality Apprenticeship Pathways that combine working in a great job, comprehensive training and development opportunities, and a competitive salary. The Apprentice Pensions Officer Pathway consists of a 2‑year opportunity to build on your knowledge of the financial (pension) sector and apply your ‘can-do’ attitude whilst working towards a Professional Pension qualification. Following the initial application process, successful applicants will join Islington Council’s Pensions Team, where you will support and assist in the administration of the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) and other related legislation for the Council and its employees.

The Job – Working as an Apprentice Pensions Officer for the Council you will:

• Develop strong professional relationships with your own team and with others we work alongside and to whom we provide services.
• Gain an understanding of the regulatory requirements that underpin the Pensions Industry.
• Acquire skills in member record maintenance and new setups, responding to customer queries, reconciling income received and other tasks as directed.
• Gain an understanding of the current tax regime applicable to the LGPS.

Training and Development – Within your role you will:

• Complete a 14-month work‑based apprenticeship, leading to a Level 3 Professional Pension qualification funded by the Council.
• After successful completion of the Level 3 qualification, you’ll then spend a further 10 months gaining hands‑on experience within the Pensions team.
• Apprentices will benefit from 1‑2‑1 support on a regular basis in order to achieve competence as set against the knowledge, skills and behaviours set down in the apprenticeship standard.
• Join the Apprenticeship Pathway personal and professional development programme that will involve a series of varied development activities and events throughout your year with the Council.

Benefits and Support We appreciate and value our employees and recognise the importance of a motivated and supported workforce. We will support your development through the activities mentioned above and through the ongoing support of your manager and a mentoring programme. In addition to the competitive salary and excellent annual leave package the organisation offers a wide range of benefits such as discounted gym memberships and cycle schemes, discounted theatre tickets and local discounts from restaurants and shops.

Career Path After you have successfully completed your Apprenticeship Pathway you will have gained valuable workplace experience and attained a professional qualification which will improve your chances of finding work either within the Council or with another employer or help you move on to a higher-level apprenticeship elsewhere. You will have networked across the Council and be aware of the internal job market during your time with us and we will provide support on your approach to the wider job market as part of your development programme.

Qualifications and Experience

• Aged 16 or above and Unemployed (or working no more than 16 hours)
• Islington resident or Islington care leaver or a student at an Islington secondary school currently or within the last 12 months.
• Not currently PMI qualified or other professional pension qualifications
• Must hold a minimum of Level 2 in maths and English or equivalent.

Closing Date: Sunday 2nd August 2026

Interview Date: week commencing 24 August 2026

Apprenticeship Start Date: September 2026 (TBC)

Contact Information Name and Job Title: Nicola Tanner Email: nicola.tanner@islington.gov.uk

Our Offer to You

• Up to 31 days leave per year, increasing to 36 days after five years of local government service
• A range of flexible working arrangements to maintain a healthy work‑life balance, as well as a 35-hour working week
• Learning and development opportunities to maximise your potential
• Competitive pay and a commitment to paying all staff the London Living Wage at minimum
• Excellent local government pension scheme
• Cycle to Work scheme and discounted gym memberships
• Local discounts from restaurants, shops, health and beauty therapists, and more!

Priority will be given to those at risk of redundancy within Islington Council. Current employees who are part of the redeployment pool must meet the essential criteria for shortlisting to be prioritised.

Workforce Equality, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Statement We are dedicated to creating an inclusive and equitable workforce, where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. Our workforce strategy places equality, equity, diversity, and inclusion at the heart of everything we do, reaffirming our commitment to fostering a culture of inclusion. We strive to create an environment where all colleagues feel they belong and can safely express their thoughts, ideas, and challenges, without fear of judgement or discrimination. We maintain a zero‑tolerance approach to any unlawful discrimination, harassment, or victimisation on the grounds of any protected characteristics under the 2010 Equality Act, including but not limited to race, disability, sexual orientation, sex, religion and belief, age, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy, and maternity. Any incidents of discrimination will be promptly investigated and addressed in line with our HR policies to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for all colleagues. We use data to identify and address disparities, ensuring that our policies and practices are transparent and impactful in promoting a diverse representation of backgrounds and perspectives at all levels of the organisation. We look at inequality through an intersectional lens, recognising that different aspects of someone’s identity can combine to create unique experiences of discrimination and disadvantage. We know that advancing diversity and inclusion is a continuous journey, and we must listen to our colleagues and learn where we can further improve. We work closely with our Colleague Forums and Trade Unions, supported by active allies from our Corporate Management Team, to monitor and evaluate our practices, identify barriers, and empower colleagues to promote equality and inclusion in the workplace. Every one of us has a role to play in making Islington Council a truly inclusive workplace. By living out our CARE (collaborative, ambitious, resourceful, and empowering) values every day and embedding the principles of equality, equity, diversity, and inclusion in our work, we can all actively contribute to empowering people and creating a more equal Islington.

Pre‑Employment Checks

• Proof of address
• Evidence of any name changes (if applicable)
• Right to work in the UK
• Overseas criminal record check (if applicable)
• Satisfactory references
• Occupational Health clearance
• Evidence of professional qualifications or registrations
• DBS check at the appropriate level (if applicable)

Safeguarding We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults, and expects all staff, and volunteers to share this commitment. Some posts are subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Disability Confident Scheme Islington Council operates a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria and we are committed to providing support to applicants who request reasonable adjustments to be made during the recruitment process and throughout their career with us.